Cybersecurity
Cyber framework harmonization is a thorny, yet not intractable issue, experts say
Those inside and outside government agree harmonizing and streamline cyber regulations would save time and compliance costs. A consensus might be emerging around what to do next.
As AI scales in government, visibility, zero trust and data protection are critical
COMMENTARY | States and localities are embracing the technology but must keep several security challenges in mind as they do so. As AI evolves, controls must evolve too.
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Lawmaker proposes overhaul of critical infrastructure cyber plans as AI threats rise
The measure would require CISA to refresh long-outdated sector cybersecurity plans as lawmakers warn that advanced AI tools could accelerate the discovery and exploitation of software flaws.
Building cyber-resilient payroll systems in government
COMMENTARY | Cybersecurity needs to be built into everything that keeps government running, especially as payroll is one of the most critical systems in operation.
Lawmaker unveils bill to restore cyber information-sharing program funding
Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee also sent letters to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and to every governor urging them to support state and local cyber defense.
New federal privacy bill called a ‘consensus’ of existing state laws
Congress is trying again for a national data privacy standard that would preempt current regulations in 22 states, but opponents argue a patchwork is better than this effort.
How agencies can balance AI’s potential and risks for cyber attacks
Through adequate AI training and keeping humans in the loop of AI-driven solutions, governments can harness the technology to address increasing cyber threats to the public sector, speakers said during a recent event.
Hackers are already laying groundwork to disrupt the 2026 midterms, research says
The report from cybersecurity firm Check Point lands as the Trump administration pushes new voting rules and intelligence officials face questions about how they are handling foreign election threats.
Israeli researchers link Iran government to LA Metro cyberattack
Security company Gambit said the March hack could be traced to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, rather than a hacktivist group that had previously claimed responsibility.
State leaders renew call for cyber grant program’s renewal
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is facing down a September deadline for reauthorization. Without it, officials warned that current efforts would lose momentum.
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Feds assign two officials to lead intelligence coordination on election threats
For months, it was unclear if ODNI ever named an election threats executive responsible for leading election security efforts in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Aligning state and local AI security investments with the Cyber Strategy for America
COMMENTARY | State and local leaders do not need to start from scratch to strengthen their cyber posture. The federal strategy offers a practical path forward.
‘No time to waste’ in prepping governments for AI cyber threats, top Dem lawmaker says
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Department of Homeland Security to work closer with states and localities, and bemoaned the end of federal funding to an information-sharing center.
Canvas breach spotlights cybercriminal appetite for student data
Cyberattacks on widely used third-party services like Canvas can expose sensitive data that hackers can later weaponize. Higher education institutions are often a prime target.
Senator warns CISA election security pullback could leave midterms vulnerable
Mark Warner, the Senate Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat, pressed DHS over reports that states are no longer receiving the same cybersecurity and protection support ahead of the 2026 elections.
CISA unveils CI Fortify to help secure critical infrastructure during conflicts
For years, U.S. officials have assessed that China is infiltrating non-military critical infrastructure to enable sabotage during a major conflict involving Taiwan.
State cyber officials’ confidence is down, survey finds
The study by NASCIO and Deloitte found that just 26% of respondents are extremely or very confident they can protect themselves from cyber threats, down from 48% in 2022.
The new leadership playbook: What public sector CISOs need now
COMMENTARY | AI and quantum have changed the game and made threats faster and bigger. Leaders must invest in their teams, learn fast and not wait to migrate their tools and platforms.
Pro-Iran hackers appear to ramp up critical infrastructure cyberattacks
A group sympathetic to the regime claimed responsibility for a hack on the Los Angeles Metro, while the federal government is warning of ongoing vulnerabilities in some systems.
World needs to ‘get ready’ for more powerful AI, Anthropic co-founder says
The company’s powerful Mythos, unveiled earlier this month, won’t be the only supercharged AI system to hit the market, Jack Clark said.
